About 100 animals found in Hoke Co. animal cruelty case

Approximately 100 animals were found living in poor conditions in Hoke County (Credit: Hoke County Sheriff's Office)

WTVD

Thursday, July 21, 2016

HOKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) --

The Hoke County Sheriff's Office have charged a Raeford woman with animal neglect after approximately 100 animals were found living in terrible conditions on her property.

Maureen Lee, 43, has been charged with felony animal neglect and resist delay and obstruct.

Deputies told ABC11 a veterinarian filed a complaint with authorities after a horse on the property had to be euthanized for malnutrition.

The Sheriff's Office got a search warrant for the house in the 7000 block of Arabia Road.

Deputies said they found approximately 100 animals on the property, including horses, dogs, cats, goats, and birds. Most of the animals were found to be in poor condition without access to food or water.

Deputies reached out to the ASPCA for assistance. Chopper 11 HD was live over the scene, where crews were analyzing the animals' living space.